DevelopEx TechHelp Program

We are happy to help bootstrapped entrepreneurs and businesses jump start their technology backbone.

As a new player in the Vancouver tech scene, we at Developex are eager to participate and contribute to its technology community. We know all too well that it’s not easy for entrepreneurs to take on all tech-related risks alone or find expert technical co-founders. This is why we’re starting a program where we will help, free of charge, several bootstrapped startups or projects begin or improve their approach to technology. This is the DevelopEx TechHelp Program.
At the moment, our team in Vancouver is modest in size and their time is limited due to various projects. As such, we will accept all requests and then vote to choose projects we’d like to support.
Please also note that we are happy to partner with other volunteers who would like to help entrepreneurs with us!
Our initial goal is to have a new list of projects we help with every 3 months. This will initially include:

1-2 projects for which we would allocate time and create software required for Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) or proofs of concept (assuming it’s possible to complete within 3 months worth of part-time work).

3-6 projects for which we would provide technical consultation and support, but spend only few hours per week for each. Consultation can include one of the following options:

Contact us

FAQ

Q: Do you sign NDAs?
A: Yes, we do.

Q: Do you do this absolutely for free? Really? Why?
A: Yes. Consider it as our way of giving back.

And let’s face it – we will choose projects that we’d like to help for free because we love them. They allow us to create awareness about what we do, as well as possibly give us a chance to participate in the project once it’s funded.

Q: I don’t have a typical startup; I work for a larger company and I am trying to get my idea funded internally. Can I apply?
A: Yes. If the project is high-quality and you have a good vision, we’ll be happy to participate and help with a proof of concept or even MVP.

Q: If I’m not accepted into the program, can I pay for your assistance?
A: Definitely. After all, we earn our living this way.

Q: What criteria will be used to choose participants?
A: For each incoming application, we will ask a few select members of our team if they would be interested in working with it. If they have few options, they will simply choose those they like more.
A secondary vote is cast by our management team who will evaluate projects to see if our company is a good fit.

Q: What’s the process?
A: For shortlisted projects, we will send questionnaires and then have a meeting to discuss your approach and why it’s good idea for us to help you.

Q: At what stage should my project should be in order to participate?
A: You can apply at any stage. However, we expect you to show commitment by doing market research and customer development prior to spending time on the technical aspects of your project. Ideally, you should have a good understanding of how you would like to promote and grow your project. Basically, the better prepared you are, the probability of our team being willing to invest time in your project increases.

Q: I am a technical person or company and would like to participate in the cause of helping entrepreneurs. Can we cooperate together?
A: We’d be happy to do so! If you see yourself working with us on this program, please drop us a line and we’ll find a way to collaborate!

Q: What if I don’t have much experience but I’d like to volunteer to help startups?
A: Contact us. I’m sure some of the applicants will be happy to have an ambitious volunteer helping them!

Q: Will the program grow and support more entrepreneurs?
A: At the moment, it’s too early to say with certainty. This is both an experiment and our way to be closer with our clients. Everything depends on how it will progress.

Q: What tech skills do you have?
A: We are 120 full-time engineers working for 15 years on the market. We have covered large number of technologies, although we have few preferred directions. For example mobile PoC or app is a good fit, web app or desktop app or cloud app is a good fit. Complex video processing, VR, math or machine learning algorithm is good fit. Microsoft Dynamics or Sharepoint or Drupal configuration is bad fit. Single page won’t be enough to list all our experience – so let us know what you need and we will tell if it’s good fit.